Something a bit different this week; I recently discovered this news and just had to share it with ya’ll, it’s so exciting. So, a let’s take a quick break from shopping while I rave about this little piece of awesome that’s coming to Montreal. Check it:

Get out your calenders - in summer of 2011 (sadly not this one) the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts will be presenting “The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Street to the Stars,” a retrospective of the designer’s couture from his 35 years as one of the world’s most highly respected fashion designers. The exhibit will showcase his work ranging from 1976 up to the present day.

Says the website:

“Known as the enfant terrible of fashion, Jean Paul Gaultier is undoubtedly one of the most important designers of recent decades. His avant-garde style soon reflected the concerns of today’s society. The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Street to the Stars is the first ever retrospective of the couturier who launched his first prêt-à-porter collection in 1976 and established his own haute couture house in 1997.

Interested in all cultures and counter-culture, he boldly captures the mood of the times, offering a humanistic multicultural aesthetic: through his diversions, transgressions, metamorphoses, reinterpretations and cross-breedings, he blurs the boundaries and demands the right to be different, inventing a new way of creating and wearing couture. In honour of Jean Paul Gaultier’s thirty-five years in fashion, this truly mind-blowing multimedia exhibition will take a fresh look at the way this generous creator, who has shed all his hang-ups, uses his ties to the pop/rock-and-roll music scene, film and dance, and will shed light on the eclectic and impertinent sources of his inspiration, from the street to the stars.”

I can’t wait. I know it’s awhile yet, but I couldn’t wait a year to write about this! So, mark it on your calenders: if you happen to find yourself in Montreal next summer, this is definitely a must-see. Plus, it’s a nice indoor activity for when you need a break from shopping in the heat (which, let me tell you, is intense). Also, did I mention that it’s free?

Back to regularly scheduled shopping next time!

From Montreal,

Lindsay

http://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/expositions/exposition_153.html

Nothing screams girly, flirty, feminine like ruffles. Not to be confused with the over-the-top tiered ruffles found on your favorite party dress in elementary school, the refined ruffle is for grown ladies and has been adding a touch of fun and girly charm to garments all over the runways. A ruffle detail can take a simple summer dress from being day to night wear, and it adds a dose of personality and femininity. A simple ruffle, as shown in the example above, adds movement to a garment, which makes it come alive, not to mention a ruffle will exaggerate  and draw attention to the area which it is situated. Therefore, a ruffle at the bust-line, as shown above, is great for ladies with smaller chests. Also note the punchy, loud colour of the garment, which combined with the ruffle detail, makes this look a knockout and a head turner.

YSG tip: Ruffles speak for themselves, so be sure to pair your ruffled garment with simple accessories.  Also note, ruffles will add bulk and weight to the area which they are situated, therefore if you are busty avoid ruffles around the neckline. Similarly, avoid ruffle details at the hips and arms if you wish to play down such areas and make them appear slimmer.

Let’s step off the Main for a moment - just for a moment - and stroll (stylishly) over to Avenue Laurier for a peek at this particular shopping avenue’s fashion mecca, Billie Boutique.

Opened in September of 2005, Billie is the perfect embodiment of what a boutique should be; small and intimate; offering labels and garments meticulously chosen to both reflect the shop’s image and create sophisticated looks for their clientele; knowledgeable and attentive staff; and, a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes shoppers want to stay prrreeeetty much all day.

A large front window looks out upon the tree-lined Laurier and, against this backdrop, one can peruse the multitude of carefully selected labels on offer, covering feminine fashion from classic to trendy. Rifle through tees and tanks by Velvet, James Perse and Repeat neatly folded in the center dresser; choose a pair of J Brand, Hudson or Rich and Skinny jeans stacked on the side shelf; and, slip into summer and cocktail dresses by Designers Remix Collection, Graham & Spencer and Snob hanging on the side racks. Don’t forget to accessorize with jewelery by previously-mentioned Montreal designer, Claudia and shoes by Bloch (ballet flat experts), Dolce Vita and Ted Baker. Nor does it stop there - other brands and designers include Anna Sui, Filippa K, K by Karl Lagerfeld, Qi Cashmere, Tara Jarmon, Tracey Reese, Margit Brandt and Loeffler Randall. Sooo, yeah. No big deal or anything.

Such a lovely, refined space it is too. The soft colours, the beige wood, the rosy champagne satin and warm lighting in the dressing rooms that bathe you in a nice, little glow - SUCH a contrast from the usual heinous, yellow-florescent glare in most store change rooms - plus, the way in which the clothes are displayed, it’s basically like a gorgeous walk-in closet. One that I want installed in my bedroom. Immediately.

Billie is located at 141 Laurier St. W, t: 514. 270. 5415. Check out their amazing website to shop online and follow their blog at www.billieboutique.com

A well fitted, basic suit is an essential is any grown woman’s closet-especially those who work in the corporate world. If you do work in the corporate world, however, in no way should you ever solely rely on this one suit. There have been many fashionable variations on the tailored woman’s suit,  and if a suit is your 9-5 dress code, you should most definitely indulge in a least a few. Try to mix up fabrics, colours, and cuts in order to change up your everyday bland pant suit. See two examples from Philip Lim’s Spring/Summer 2010 ready to wear collection for inspiration. Try a shiny fabric or a tapered pant (above). Moving into summer, try a sleeveless coat with a slightly cropped pant (below). Your Shop Girl wants you to remember that you can always be fashion forward,  and stylish even at the office!

YSG Tip: It is very rare that a suit will fit you perfectly right off the rack. Make sure to look into in-store, complimentary  alteration services to ensure that your suit fits you like a glove and makes your look and feel your best.

Flirty, feminine and fun, the sweetheart neckline is one which suits almost every woman. As the name suggests, the sweetheart neckline dips down in the middle creating a heart-like shape on a woman’s chest. This neckline flatters all as it can give the illusion of a larger bust for those who are small chested, and also play up a woman’s already existing curves for those who have a more shapely figure. As shown, this neckline is often found on strapless numbers, such as tops and dresses, and instantly gives off a sexy, 1950’s pin-up vibe by highlighting the bust and diminishing the waist.

YSG Tip: Finding a piece with a sweetheart neck in the right size is key, one that is too large will look baggy and not flatter, and one that is too small will flatten the chest and give unflattering underarm ’spillage’-never ever good!